What is latex allergy?

A latex allergy is a hypersensitivity to latex, which is a natural substance derived from the milky sap of the rubber tree. Like any type of allergy, latex allergies arise when the immune system, which normally guards the body against foreign invaders (such as bacteria, viruses and toxins), reacts to an otherwise harmless substance, called an allergen.

In the case of latex allergies, a person can have a reaction to the chemical additives used in manufacturing the latex products or to proteins in the latex itself. When the immune system detects the allergen, the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE) is produced, triggering the release of chemicals within the body. One such chemical is the inflammatory agent called histamine. Histamine is partly responsible for the redness, itching and swelling of an allergic reaction, and it produces such symptoms as hives, rashes, a runny nose, and watery, swollen eyes. More seriously, it can lead to breathing difficulties and a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis that can include a sudden drop in blood pressure, an increase in pulse, and tissue swelling.

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New Hope for Those With Insulin Allergies

Jan. 16 (iVillage Total Health) -- Medical advances have made insulin allergies rare, and recent innovations may help diabetic patients who still react to this medication, researchers report.

Belgian researchers at the University of Liege reviewed the medical literature on insulin allergies. They report that more than half of insulin-dependent patients 50 years ago suffered some type of allergic reaction to the hormonal drug.

Improvements that have made insulin allergies a thing of the past for most patients include better purification of insulin harvested from animals and the creation of synthetic human insulin. The synthetic version, developed through genetic engineering, produces fewer allergic reactions and has largely replaced animal-derived insulin.

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Can Aspirin Prevent Asthma?

Can taking an aspirin each day stop asthma from developing in adults?

Maybe, suggests new research published in the January issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine that found adult-onset asthma risk was reduced by 22 percent in men who were already taking a daily aspirin for heart-disease prevention.


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